Brandt inspired body close-ups

After my research into the work of Bill Bradnt and reading his photobook "Bill Brandt: Nudes 1945 -1980", and after having resolved to work with the nudes and more highly sexualised imagery, I felt it would be an idea to have a go at emulating Brandt's work. This was not as an easy a task as I thought. I didn't walk into this shoot thinking that I would immediately be taking images like Brandt from the off, I am not as sure of myself as that, but I did think I would be able to create something near to what he had done.

Having heard him describe how he would use every angle, intimate close ups and wide angle lens, I decided to use my phone witch has a wider lens and closer focusing distance than any of my other cameras or lenses. I also did this as I thought it would be easier to get to odd angles. I was right that it would help, and its a good job that I did, because this would not have worked without essential being able to bend myself around the models body. how Brandt managed to create these images with a large camera, probably on a tripod, and without even a mechanical shutter of any kind... well I have a new found respect for him and that body of work beyond just my appreciation of the the beauty and creativity.

Like Brandt I worked in monotone, of course he had no choice for much of his life, but I found that it helped to separate the photographs from the human subject. Removing the colour of the skin dehumanised the figure, causing them to feel more like the "rock sculptures" of Brants work (As he described them in BBC's Master photographers, 1980).

There is a definite sexual nature to this work, this first image being a fantastic example as to some it may appear to show a phallic visuals but actually the model was not fully naked at this point. Even as the photographer I cant remember what part of the body this is!

Where Brandt used young women with smooth skin, I have used an older male model with hairy textured skin, though I don't think the effect is lost. It may be more of a hint to what we are actually looking at, but in a way it becomes almost some kind of monster, some kind of eldritch beast or form, contorting in on itself.